James Arthur Hammer, age 89, of Columbia Falls, MT, formerly of New Rockford, ND, died Sunday, February 3, 2013, while living at the Columbia Falls Veterans’ Home with the many tender hands of those who cared for him. He came to call it “home� and loved the beauty of the mountains, tall trees and green meadows as he walked the grounds. His sense of humor was accepted by everyone and he truly felt loved by the caring staff.

James was born on September 27, 1923, in New Rockford, ND, to G. Peter and Rose Mary Hammer.

His military career included the Army 1943-1947, and the Navy 1950-1966, which led him to serve in the African Middle Easter Theatre as well as France, Italy, Antarctica and aboard the USS General Anderson, USS Karin (Antarctica – Operation Deep Freeze), USS Atka and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. His favorite duty was time at Little America, the winter of 1958.

His many honors included the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, three Good Conduct Medals, Antarctica Service Medal “Wintering Over Clasp�, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal World War II, Silver Battle Star, and four Overseas Service Bars. Over the years he enjoyed home parts at Seattle, Davisville, R.I., Perth Amboy, J.J., Mayport, FL, and Bainbridge, MD. The Navy, with his storekeeper’s duties was a good fit for him. He received commendations on the pride he took in his work and how he represented the Navy.

After leaving the Navy he spent four years farming near Sioux Falls, S.D., with his brother, Leslie, and was
employed as a prison guard during those years. In 1969, he came to live in Havre, MT, where he purchased a small farm near the Canadian border, where he enjoyed the animals he raised, especially his horses. During his years in Havre he worked at Petrolane Gas Co., Hansen Sheet Metal, Richard Larson’s farm periodically and held many other jobs as he became a “jack of all trades.� He loved his independence and helping others brought joy into his life.

He was a life honorary member of Knights of Columbus and an American Legion member for 39 years. He took pride in having his covered wagon and team being part of the trail ride in 1989, celebrating the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive.

James is survived by his brother, Edward (Sandra), Nashville, TN; sisters, Alice Veen, Norfolk, VA, Mabel Walsh, Bothell, WA, Helen Allen, Kalispell, MT, and Marjorie Arnold, St. Petersburg, FL; also many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and special extended family. We will miss his tender heart and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, G. Peter and Rose Mary; brothers, Joseph, George, Thomas, Leslie and Peter; sisters, Evelyn Veen, Doris Jakylovich, Rose Newman, as well as, three siblings who died in infancy, Marian, Walter, and Charles.

James will be laid to rest next to his brother, Leslie, his parents, G. Peter, Rose and other siblings, Marion and Walter.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Friday, August 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM

INTERMENT: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, ND